Consumer Association exposes itself in public
Added: (Fri Jun 22 2001)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
So the Consumer Association expects everyone to follow its route of getting advice for consumer problems, especially after a problem with their website which left them telling people to cancel their credit cards. This warning was put out following personal details being openly published in an online blunder.
The Consumers Association should have known better after campaigning for improved internet security. More than 2,700 people who bought its software online are thought to have been affected.
While this is all going on, the Consumer Association expects people to follow its legal advice guidelines. www.consumer-solicitors.co.uk is having none of this… and suggests where the severity of a consumer problem merits it, people should always get advice from a solicitor specialising in consumer law.
The Consumer's Association says:
"You don't need to line a lawyer's pockets to get legal help. Just follow our guide"
…and "Consumers' Association, publishers of Which? magazine, set up the Which? Web Trader Scheme in June 1999 because we believe online shopping should be easy and safe."
Adrian Miles of www.consumer-solicitors.co.uk says:
"The Consumers Association has a lot of rebuilding to do in the way of regaining the public's confidence after their online slip up. What they should not be doing at a time like this is trying to warn people of using professional help from solicitors. Yes, people should do some research first to make sure their problem can be dealt with by a solicitor, but often a solicitor can advice in an initial free consultation. All the public have to do is check first that their solicitor offers this."
"Much of the free advice needed, without detracting from the importance of using a solicitor can be found on sites like ours."
ENDS.
Further details from Matthew Clarke 01209 822060 matthew@spinoffice.co.uk